USC Marshall School of Business has named Mike Hendry, EVP of marketing and merchandising at Northgate Gonzalez Market, as the executive-in-residence for the Food Industry Executive Program (FIEP) for the 2025-26 academic year. “Each year, we invite a distinguished industry executive who embodies a passion for mentoring emerging leaders to serve as our executive-in-residence,” said […]
Category: Executive News
Grocery industry executive news: appointments, promotions and leadership changes at retailers, wholesalers and suppliers.
Follow every leadership change in Executive Moves.
Posted inExecutive News, News, Piggly Wiggly, Southeast, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Piggly Wiggly Alabama Makes 2 Key Executive Appointments
Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co. has announced two key executive changes: Tony Chicarelli has been named VP of sales, business and store development, while Delma Craft has become VP of operations. “These changes will help strengthen the PWADC organization as it works to improve its performance-driven service to its customers and strengthen retail profitability,” said […]
Posted inExecutive News, Marketing News, Midwest, News, Private Label Brands, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Welcomes Ulichnie As VP, OwnBrands Marketing
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has named Jason Ulichnie VP of OwnBrands marketing. In this role, Ulichnie will oversee the end-to-end portfolio management, product development and brand equity of SpartanNash OwnBrands – including Our Family, Fresh and Finest by Our Family and Finest Reserve by Our Family – for company-operated stores and wholesale customers. Ulichnie also will manage […]
Posted inExecutive News, Independent Store News, News, Southeast
Houchens Food Group Names Shillinglaw As COO
Bowling Green, Kentucky-based Houchens Food Group Inc. has appointed Brian Shillinglaw as chief operating officer (COO). Shillinglaw brings more than 24 years of leadership experience in grocery retail, specializing in merchandising, operations and human resources. Throughout his career, he has held key operational roles at several grocery retailers, including Winn-Dixie, Southeastern Grocers, Rouses, Harris Teeter […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Frozen Food, Marketing News, National, News
AFFI Hires Meredith As Director Of Marketing, Communications
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has named Rebecca Meredith its new director of marketing and communications. In this role, she will oversee the organization’s content creation and execution, as well as drive AFFI’s event and member communications strategies. Most recently, Meredith served as communications manager at CropLife America, a national trade association representing agricultural […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Executive News, Midwest, News, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Shares CIO, CISO Leadership Appointments
SpartanNash has appointed two new executive leaders – Ed Rybicki as SVP and chief information officer (CIO) and Brett Hoffman as VP and chief information security officer (CISO). The IT department is reporting to EVP and CFO Jason Monaco as part of a newly combined finance/IT/strategy organization. Rybicki will oversee SpartanNash’s technology team, focusing on […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Midwest, News
MGA Recognizes 2025 Award Winners, Hall Of Fame Inductee
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) honored several industry executives with awards July 27 during its annual conference in Brainerd, Minnesota, the premier event showcasing the accomplishments of those in the state’s food industry. Outstanding Grocer Award Andrea Teal of Teal’s Management in Cold Spring, Minnesota, received the 2025 Outstanding Grocer Award. A fourth-generation grocer, Teal’s […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, The Kroger Co., West
WAFC Adds King Soopers’ Albi To Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected Chris Albi, president of King Soopers/City division of The Kroger Co., to its board of directors during an Aug. 1 meeting in Irvine, California. With more than 40 years of leadership experience in the grocery industry, Albi brings knowledge, strategic insight and commitment to serving the community. She […]
Posted inExecutive News, News, Northeast, UNFI, Wholesaler/Distributor News
UNFI Appoints Best As President, CEO Of Retail
Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. has appointed David Best as president and CEO of retail, effective Aug. 17. Best will be responsible for accelerating UNFI’s retail business growth strategy while leading the company’s two retail banners, Cub Foods and Shoppers Food Warehouse. “David’s track record of driving retail innovation, his deep industry expertise […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, West
WAFC Mourns Death Of Former Longtime Leader
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced the death of former longtime COO Carole Christianson on Aug. 1 after a battle with leukemia. Christianson retired in 2022 following a 50-year career in the food and beverage industry and more than 15 years at the helm of the WAFC. During her time as COO, […]
Posted inMerchandising News, Executive News, News, The Raley's Companies
The Raley’s Companies Fills Key Leadership Roles
The Raley’s Companies has promoted Jessica Blakely and Faith Garrard to senior roles overseeing sales and merchandising across the organization’s banners. Blakely has been appointed VP of sales and merchandising for Bashas’ Family of Stores, while Garrard has been promoted to VP of sales and merchandising for Raley’s Operating Co. Jessica Blakely In her […]
Posted inC-Store News, Association News, Executive News, National, News
NACS Appoints Gleeson President, CEO
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has named Frank Gleeson, former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-19 NACS chairman of the board, as its new president and CEO, beginning Jan. 1. Gleeson will succeed Henry Armour, becoming just the fourth CEO in the organization’s 64-year history; all four came to the […]
Posted inExecutive News, National, News, The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. Shares Key Leadership Changes
The Kroger Co. has announced leadership changes in several key roles across the company, with Ed Oldham, Ann Reed, Jake Cannon and Josh Harpole appointed to new roles. Ed Oldham Oldham has been named head of sourcing, effective Aug. 4. He joins Kroger from PetSmart, where he was SVP and chief supply chain officer. Oldham […]
Posted inExecutive News, Corporate Store News, Feature, News, West
Food 4 Less Leader Doyel Plans To Keep Building On Banner’s Strong Foundation
Kendra Doyel may have one of the most well-rounded careers among today’s supermarket industry leaders. Named president of Kroger’s Food 4 Less/Foods Co division in April, Doyel started as a pharmacist in the company’s Fry’s division in 1998 and wound through several departments and responsibilities on her way to leading 101 Food 4 Less and […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co.
Vincent Named Kroger’s Secretary, General Counsel
George Vincent will join The Kroger Co. as its secretary and general counsel, effective Aug. 4. Vincent has been appointed to the role, following the retirement of EVP, General Counsel and Secretary Christine Wheatley on Sept. 1. A partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, Vincent previously served as the firm’s managing partner from 2007-22, where he […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, News, West
Heritage Grocers Group CEO Steps Down, Leadership Transitions In Progress
Heritage Grocers Group (HGG) has shared multiple leadership transitions within the company, as Suzy Monford steps down from her role as chairwoman and CEO to pursue other opportunities. She had joined the company in November 2024. HGG has named industry veteran David Hirz chairman of the board and is instituting an Office of the CEO […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
SQFI Appoints Updegraff As Financial Planning, Analysis Director
The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association, has appointed Brian Updegraff as director of financial planning and analysis. In this role, Updegraff will lead the SQFI team in developing and executing financial strategies while collaborating on revenue initiatives to support the global food safety and certification program. “Brian comes […]
Posted inExecutive News, News, Southwest, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Consolidates Divisions In Texas With DiPietro At Helm
The Kroger Co. has consolidated its Dallas and Houston divisions into a newly formed Texas Division with Rudy DiPietro at the helm, effective Aug. 1. DiPietro, who was named Dallas Division president in March following the retirement of Keith Shoemaker, will report to Valerie Jabbar, SVP of retail divisions. The change follows the retirement of Laura […]
Posted inMarketing News, Executive News, News, Southwest
Schraad Sales & Marketing Names New President Of Sales, Strategy
Oklahoma City-based Schraad Sales and Marketing has appointed Patrick Thompson as president of sales and strategy. Thompson most recently served as chief strategic officer, leading company-wide initiatives spanning business planning, analytics and organizational development. He joined Schraad in January 2021 as VP of corporate strategy – center store. The following year, he was promoted to […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Ahold Delhaize, Executive News, National, News
Ahold Delhaize Announces CTO Succession Plan
Ahold Delhaize has appointed Jan Brecht as chief technology officer (CTO) and member of the executive committee, effective Sept. 26. He will succeed Ben Wishart, who has decided to step down as a member of the executive committee and leave the company after 12 years in the CTO role. Brecht will join the company as […]